Chevrolet made few changes to the Silverado for 2013. But the popular pickup truck still included a wide variety of features and a few new colors to offer buyers everything from a basic workhorse to a luxury hauler.
Key Points
- The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado’s five trims include the WT, LS, LT, XFE, and LTZ, plus a Hybrid model.
- Additions for 2013 included three new colors and an optional electronically controlled transfer case on the WT and LS models.
- Deletions for 2013 included accessories like a sliding bed divider and roof rack. Two colors were also dropped, and the power sunroof was no longer available on extended-cab models.
- Engine options were unchanged for 2013, with the 4.3L Vortec V6 serving as standard on WT models, while LS and LT trims got the 4.8L V6. XFE and LTZ models featured the 5.3L V8.
- A 6.0L V8 Hybrid powertrain was also still an option, as was the 6.2L V8 for heavy-duty hauling needs.
Electronically Controlled Transfer Case, New Colors Added to 2013 Silverado Lineup, Chrome Package Dropped
Model year 2013 was a lame-duck year for Chevrolet’s Silverado, which was due to be replaced by a new model for 2014. With the new truck on the horizon, GM made few changes to the outgoing pickup. However, the “old” Silverado still offered an impressive array of options and features that included three cab styles (regular, extended, and crew), and three cargo box lengths (Short: 5’8″, Standard: 6’6″, and Long: 8″).
In addition to offering a hybrid edition, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado‘s five trims include the WT (Work Truck), LS, LT, XFE, and LTZ.
For drivers looking for enhanced fuel economy, the Silverado XFE (2WD crew cab) is a particularly notable trim that delivers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg on the highway, thanks to unique aerodynamic enhancements and a 5.3-liter, six-speed automatic powertrain. It also boasts a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds.
One of the few notable changes to trims for the 2013 model was the addition and subtraction of some exterior color choices. New hues for 2013 included Deep Ruby Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat, and Blue Topaz Metallic. The newly available White Diamond Tricoat was only available on White Diamond Edition pickups. The discontinued colors for 2013 were Imperial Blue Metallic and Black Granite Metallic.
For 2013 Silverado, Minor Updates were Made to Available Packages and Accessories
Chevrolet also trimmed some of the available accessories and options for the 2013 Silverado. The cargo management system rails, sliding bed divider, overhead rack/bed divider, and overhead utility rack were all dropped, as was the Deluxe Chrome Package. The power sunroof was also no longer available on extended-cab models.
The sole new option was the electronically controlled transfer case, which was made available on WT and LS models. Also available was the LS Package, which included chrome-styled steel wheels, chrome front bumper, and chrome grille surround.
Chevy Silverado Trims Remained Unchanged for 2013 but were Still Packed with Features
There were no major changes to the available models and trims for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado. A chrome bumper was standard on LS, LT, and XFE trim level models, while LTZ trims received body-color front bumpers.
WT Trim Comes Equipped with 4.3L V6, Black Bumper
The 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT was still the entry-level truck aimed at commercial customers. The model came equipped with a 4.3L V6, 17-inch steel wheels, vinyl seats, a black front bumper, and a standard chrome rear bumper with integrated steps.
The WT model’s available extras included:
- Manual-folding camper-style mirrors
- Spring-loaded EZ-Lift locking tailgate
- LS Package with chrome front bumper and grille surround
LS Trim Provides a ‘Pure Pickup’ Interior
Stepping up to the LS trim netted a 4.8L V8 engine, power locks and windows, and an AM/FM stereo with an MP3 player. Like the WT and LT trims levels, the LS also features a “pure pickup” interior, which differs from the LTZ’s luxury-inspired, larger interior. LS trim levels also featured:
- Larger controls and door handles
- Large-capacity, double glove box
- Available Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
LT Offers Optional Chrome Essentials Package with Chrome Door Handles
The LT trim added cloth seating with a leather-wrapped steering wheel as well as an Autotrac active transfer case. The Chrome Essentials package was available on LT, adding a polished exhaust tip, chrome recovery hooks, chrome door handles, chrome mirror caps, and chrome-clad aluminum wheels.
Additional extras available with the LT trim included:
- Fog lamps
- Twenty-inch wheels
- Heated, power-adjustable vertical outside mirrors
XFE Adds 17-inch Aluminum Wheels, Trailering Package as Standard Equipment
The second-highest trim level was the XFE, which came with the 5.3L V8 engine, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a soft tonneau cover, heavy-duty engine oil and transmission coolers, an automatic locking differential, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. The XFE also included the Trailering package as standard equipment. Other available features included:
- Remote vehicle starter system
- Leather-trimmed front seat
- Power-operated rear sliding window
LTZ Trim Sports Standard Bose Premium Audio, Leather Upholstery with Heated Front Row
The top-of-the-line trim for 2013 was the LTZ, which featured 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Bose audio system, and leather upholstery with heated front seats.
Available extra options on the LTZ included:
- Rear-seat entertainment system with DVD player, remote control, and two sets of wireless headphones
- Power-adjustable pedals
- Navigation radio with AM/FM stereo, CD/DVD player
2013 Chevy Silverado is a Very Capable Truck with Trims that Help it Meet a Wide Variety of Needs
Regardless of what trim or powertrain you choose, the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado is a very capable truck that suits a wide variety of needs. Chevrolet sold over 480,000 Silverados in 2013, so there’s bound to be a wide variety of examples to choose from depending on what type of truck you’re looking for.
Photos: Chevrolet
